Press Release

OFID steps in with emergency aid to ease environmental crisis in Lebanon

76/2006 August 14, 2006, Vienna, Austria
Press inquiries:

The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) is to provide US$200,000 to aid clean-up operations off the coast of Lebanon following the massive oil spill created by the bombing of the Jiyyeh power station.

Described as the worst environmental disaster in Lebanon’s history, the slick has already polluted 150-km of shoreline, including part of Syria. The spill is currently estimated at some 10,000 – 15,000 tons of heavy-fuel oil.

In addition to damaging Lebanon’s coast and beaches, the slick poses serious threat to marine species such as sea turtles and Bluefin tuna.

Remedial action is being coordinated jointly by the United Nations Environment Program and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). Immediate needs include the provision of recovery and dredging vessels, heavy-fuel oil skimmers, dispersants and dispersant sprayers.

OFID’s contribution to the international clean-up effort will be used for the purchase of essential supplies. The grant will be channeled through UNOCHA.